> From: "Patton Dickson" <kpdii@earthlink.net>
> Date: 2004/09/13 Mon PM 09:24:41 EDT
> To: <shop-talk@autox.team.net>
> Subject: Horrible Freight MIG Welder???
>
>
> I want to learn to weld and I want a welder. I don't have much money to get
> into this. Harbor Freight has just put one of their MIG welders on sale for
> $174.99. That is in my range! I also know that their stuff can be junk.
>
> Here is the info...
>
> 87 AMP, 115 VOLT FLUX AND MIG WELDER
> For mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. Weld with gas or perform flux
> cored gasless operations.
>
> * Welding current range: 25 to 87 amps
> * Input: single phase 115 volts, 60 Hz
> * Open voltage: 19 to 30
> * Duty cycle: 20% @ 75 amps, 45% @ 50 amps
> * Draws 21 amps @ 120 volts
> * Weldable wires: 0.023'' to 0.035'' steel and stainless steel, 0.030''
> to 0.035'' aluminum, 0.030'' flux-cored
>
> Includes: 2 lb. spool of flux cored wire, handheld face shield, brush
> hammer, fuse power line; Weight: 55.8 lbs.
>
> I know that a certain percent of people on this list will say, this is about
> the best I can afford, is this "pile of junk" worth the risk?
Patton,
Remember you get what you pay for!!! When I went looking
for a MIG welder I went to a local welding shop and talked
to them. I ended up with a Lincoln SP150. By the time
I walked out the door, it was about $850 for the box,
regulator, gas tank /w gas, gloves, helmit & shades.
The unit you're looking at is billed as flux or mig. There
is a difference in size of wire used for each. Typically
in the mig mode, you'll use .023" wire. For flux I think
it's something like .035". When I bought my unit they had
to replace the liner in the feed cable as it was set for
flux not mig.
I realize you don't have much money, I didn't (don't)
either. After I talked to the welding shop, I saved for
2 yrs to get the money for my unit.
IMHO, you'd be better off using that $175 as a down payment
on a *good* unit. Also keep in mind, I'm not a welder. I'm
just a hobbiest. Maybe some of the welders will give
better/different advice.
One thing to look at, are you a good welder? Does the
machine have click stop (preset) positions for wire feed and
heat? If so, you have to be a better welder than if they
controls are continiously variable. You have to adjust to
the vise adjusting the welder to you and your needs.
John
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